10-Key Areas of Cooperation in the Kenya Kwanza and ODM Deal

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have set out areas of cooperation between Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), describing the agreement as a step made forward towards national unity.

The agreement, unveiled on Friday, at the KICC now comes following a series of nationwide consultative meetings held by ODM leader Raila Odinga which came to conclusion yesterday, Thursday, March 6.

The deal, presented by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) counterpart Hassan Omar, covers a range of national issues aimed at fostering unity and governance reforms.These include:

1.Full Implementation of the NADCO Report

The two leaders have committed to executing the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which was developed after the 2023 demonstrations were called to an end to address critical governance and electoral matters.

2. Inclusivity in Public Life

The coalition between Kenya Kwanza and ODM now seeks to ensure there is equal opportunities for all Kenyans in public appointments and national decision-making processes. This move is aimed to address inequality that experienced by a section of Kenyans during public appointments.

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3 Strengthening Devolution

There is a shared commitment to enhance county governments’ capacity to deliver services effectively.

4 Youth Livelihoods

A focus will be placed on creating opportunities for young people through employment and enterprise support initiatives.

5 Leadership and Integrity

The leaders pledged to curb excessive spending by public officials and establish legal mechanisms to manage conflicts of interest in government.

6 Right to Peaceful Assembly and Protest

The MOU affirms the protection of constitutional rights, including the freedom to demonstrate.

7 National Debt Management

Ruto and Raila acknowledged the growing debt burden and committed to finding sustainable solutions to improve fiscal responsibility.

8 Fight Against Corruption

The agreement underlines the need for an independent and strengthened anti-corruption agenda.

9 Eliminating Wastage and Enhancing Efficiency

Measures will be introduced to curb government wastage and streamline service delivery.

10 Rule of Law and Constitutionalism

The deal maintains upholding democratic governance and respecting constitutional principles.

The agreement signals a shift in Kenya’s political landscape, with both leaders opting for cooperation on key policy areas rather than continued political rivalry.